Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing

Every building across the world has some form of roof on their home, commercial building or outhouse.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, but how often do you think about what is actually above your head?

Below are some of the most common roofing questions that we get asked here at Tradestore.

Roof Tiles

What Are Roof Tiles Made Of?

Roofing supplies such as tiles, are made of either concrete or clay and are available in a variety of patterns, colours, shapes, and are more suited to modern properties, compared to slate. 

Other materials include wood and metal.

Which Roofing Materials Are The Best?

Concrete tiles, clay tiles, man-made slate tiles and natural slate for a pitched roof, have all been subjected to numerous British and EU standards, and will have all passed and exceeded the BS5534 criteria. So no matter which tile you choose, you can be sure that it will do its job for many, many years to come.

How Long Will Clay And Concrete Tiles Last?

Clay and concrete roof tiles are typically guaranteed for 30 years, but are commonly expected to last 60 years or more.

General

What Time of Year Should I Replace My Roof?

Roofing contractors operate all year installing and repairing roofs, but to help you figure out when it’s the best time to replace your roof, take a look at the season influences below.

Spring

Spring is a reasonably steady period for roofers, with the weather having no impact on roof replacements. This is frequently an excellent time to schedule your roof replacement.

Summer

The summer months are typically quieter and may also be referred to as the “off-peak period”.

The summer weather is often less turbulent than the windy and wet months, so roofing issues aren’t as apparent, resulting in fewer homeowners requiring the assistance of a roofer.

Autumn

After a long summer, many homeowners choose to have their roof fixed now before the harsh winter weather such as high winds arrive. With this in mind, autumn is classed as being one of the most popular seasons for roofers.

Winter

Tiles and other more durable materials may be replaced in the winter, but keep in mind that roofing contractors are usually busy with emergency repairs at this time.

Remember

No matter what time of the year or season, if upon visual inspection you notice your roof is damaged in any way, you should call a roofing contractor immediately to repair any damages, and to prevent deterioration of your roofing materials.

What Type Of Roof Do I Have?

Flat Roof

A flat roof is a type of low-slope roof that appears to be completely flat, yet most buildings have a tiny slope.

A flat roof generally requires a little slope (also known as a fall) to allow rainwater to flow off to a lower side and avoid ponding.

Mono Pitched Roofs / Lean To / Pitched Roofing

A mono pitched roof is a single-story building with no connection to any other roof surface.

It’s made up of a single roof surface that slopes from one side of the structure to the other, and features a rafter that supports the roof covering, balancing the weight to the outer walls.

To increase their strength and durability, beams are positioned horizontally at a 90 degree angle to the rafters.

Gabled Roof

The gable roof, one of the most common roof forms, has two sloping sides that meet and form a ridge, producing triangular shapes at either end of the structure known as “gables”.

Hipped Roof

A hipped roof is similar to a gabled roof in that all of the roof sides slope down toward the roof edges and have no vertical ends, although it differs in that the slopes are gentler.

Half-Hipped Roof

A half-hipped roof, sometimes known as a clipped gable, is a type of hipped roof that has two shortened sides and features eaves instead of full sides.

The majority of half-hipped roofing systems have triangular faces, sloping faces, hip rafters, and a higher slope.

The hips are bound by the triangle faces with hip rafters placed on the outside corners of the roof structure, to lift them up to the ridge.

Cross-Gabled Roof

The cross-gabled roof is a very popular form of roofing.

The basic design consists of two or more gabled roof sections connected together, to form an L or T shape.

The gable roofs’ ridges generally run at a 90 degree angle to each other, and the ridges meet at an angle.

What Are The Various Layers Within A Roof?

Roofs built after the 1980s are likely to have a breathable felt underlayment or roof slates, which seal off dust and debris while allowing the roof to breathe.

In addition, insulation is frequently added – although it is usually laid on top of the ceilings of the rooms beneath the roofs, so that there are still two layers present.

How Much Does A New Roof Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but as a general guideline, you can expect to pay between £5,000 – £17,000.

There are a number of factors which are included in an estimate from roofing experts such as:

• The size of your home, commercial property, or construction
• Costs of labour
• Disposal of waste
• Pitch of the roof
• Roofing materials

Insulation

How Thick Should A Vapour Barrier Be?

To effectively cover the area and develop a moisture barrier, vapour barriers should be at least 6 mm thick.

Do I Have To Install Loft Insulation?

Insulation will help you maintain the right temperature in your house all year, protecting it against winter cold and summer heat.

Insulation is also beneficial for reducing noise pollution.

A well-insulated home is highly energy efficient and requires minimal additional heating or cooling.

What Are The Different Types Of Insulation?

There are several types of insulation, each with its own benefits:

• Fibreglass – this is one of the most popular types of insulation. It’s made from glass fibres and is available in rolls or batts.
• Cellulose – this type of insulation is made from recycled paper products. It’s fire-resistant and provides good coverage.
• Mineral wool – is made from rock or slag fibres. It’s non-combustible and provides good coverage.

Summary

There are a few key things to remember when it comes to roofs:

1. There are many different types of roofs, each with its own benefits.
2. Roofing is typically made up of several layers, including an underlayment, insulation, and a vapour barrier.
3. The cost of a new roof will vary depending on the size of the structure and the roofing materials used.
4. When it comes to insulation, fibreglass is one of the most popular options, but cellulose and mineral wool are also good choices.

Finally, keep in mind that a well-insulated home is more energy efficient and can save you money in the long run.

Contact Us

If you have any further questions about roofing, roof installation, roofing sheets, roofing tools or any of the roofing products we sell, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!